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71% Critic Match
The Agony and the Ecstasy
“From the age of magnificence comes a new magnificence in motion pictures.”
7.1 / 10• 1965• 2h 18m•NR• English
DramaHistory
Storyline
During the Italian Renaissance, Pope Julius II contracts the influential artist Michelangelo to sculpt 40 statues for his tomb. When the pope changes his mind and asks the sculptor to paint a mural in the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo doubts his painting skills and abandons the project. Divine inspiration returns Michelangelo to the mural, but his artistic vision clashes with the pope's demanding personality and threatens the success of the historic painting.
Cast & Crew
Charlton Heston
Michelangelo
Lead
Rex Harrison
Papa Giulio II
Diane Cilento
Contessina de'Medici
Harry Andrews
Bramante
Alberto Lupo
Duca di Urbino
Adolfo Celi
Giovanni de' Medici
Venantino Venantini
Paride de Grassis
Tomas Milian
Raffaello Sanzio
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Carol Reed's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Agony and the Ecstasy is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
